Undergraduate students interested in a medical career have a rare opportunity to receive hands-on clinical experience in Hawaii Pacific Health's Summer Student Research Program June 21 to Aug. 13.

“;It is a direct investment in the health care of the state of Hawaii for the future,”; said Dr. Randy Wong, who directs the program with Dr. Kalani Brady. “;We're seeing more and more of our graduates coming back to open up practices in Hawaii, and many are choosing HPH to work with us.”;

The program takes up to 10 university students and is accepting applications for the 2010 session.

The curriculum includes “;Careers in Medicine”; talks with physicians, clinical research with an investigator, visits to medical facilities and other activities. Students must present their data at the end of the session.

“;It's the only one of its kind in the state and a very well-kept secret,”; Wong said. “;Not a lot of people know about it. Most applicants come by word of mouth through graduates and participants.”;

Wong, who also directs the Burn Unit at Straub Clinic & Hospital, said the research program gives undergraduates “;an immersion experience in clinical medicine ... with a good dose of research methodologies to encourage the inquisitive mind to follow up with clinical trials and clinical research.”;

A Kalaupapa visit “;takes them to the roots of healing and compassion and commitment,”; he said. “;These are things that are not easily taught in medical school or even undergraduate premed classes.”;

To request an application and an interview for the HPH Student Research Program, call 522-3469. Next Friday is the application deadline.